Matt Roberts to head BBC MotoGP coverage

Matt Roberts steps up to the role of full-time BBC MotoGP presenter, while Charlie Cox and Steve Parrish will continue commentary duties.

Matt Roberts will head the BBC's coverage of the MotoGP World Championship in 2011 after being named as the replacement for Jennie Gow.

Roberts had been in-line for the role having established himself as the BBC's pit-lane reporter, the 33-year-old stepping up to the role of presenter for 2011.

He takes the position of Gow, who will not return for a second year having replaced Suzi Perry at the start of the 2010 season. Roberts had previously shared presenting duties with Perry in 2009.

Roberts's 'promotion' will see Azi Farni - a former reporter for motogp.com - take his position in the pit-lane, while Charlie Cox and Steve Parrish will continue their duties in the commentary box.

"I'm absolutely delighted to have been asked to front the MotoGP coverage on the BBC this year," he said.

"I'm really looking forward to working with Azi Farni, who is an established, enthusiastic and highly respected reporter, and it is always great fun to work with Charlie and Steve, who need no introduction!

"I'm convinced we will make a strong team and most importantly cover every aspect of what promises to be a truly memorable year in the most prestigious class of motorcycle racing."

The revised team will be put through its paces for the first time in Qatar when the 2011 MotoGP season gets underway in Qatar on March 20th.